• Susan Bore who was brought by Jennifer Priest and Frank Murphy was the guest of John McLemore.
• We also had two visiting Rotarians—Rich Salon of the Goochland Rotary Club, and Fred Williams of the Leesburg Rotary Club and the brother of Armistead Williams.
• The club also voted into membership three people who were with us: Ina Diepold-Wassmer, Lynell Powell (Dr. Joy), and Rachel Ruggieri.  

• Tom Koller’s daughter had her annual pet scan for cancer in New York and it came out negative.
• Chris Bugg is happy for the Naval Academy
• Armistead Williams is happy to have his brother and sister-in-law visiting from Leesburg.
• Lynell Powell (Dr. Joy) was delighted that her husband accompanied their daughter to find a junior prom dress. They were successful within an hour.
• President Jeff was one of the judges for the Norfolk Science Fair. Despite being given instructions not to quiz the students about their project, he couldn’t resist—and immediately got sent to time out.

• Norfolk Rotary Charities has received sixty applications for a grant.
• Suds & Buds is on Thursday, May 16. Tom Koller urged club members to buy tickets, become or solicit a sponsor, and bring $20 for the wine pull. Additionally, there will be an auction at S & B.
• There will be three projects during the remaining months of this Rotary year: a small library at PrimePlus; make part of the community garden handicapped accessible; and participate in Sail Norfolk.

Sally Hartman with President Jeff Wells (center) and Kole Matheson, Cherokee Nation West citizen.

 

At our February 13, 2023 meeting, Kay Stine eloquently introduced our speaker, our member Sally Hartman.  Kay had these insights to share:. Sally graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas with a degree in journalism and studied abroad in Japan. She worked at The Arkansas Gazette before becoming an editor and staff writer for Virginia Business. She retired in 2020 as vice president of communications at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Sally joined our Rotary Club in 2007, is a both a Paul Harris Fellow and a Charles Woodard Fellow, and served as president in 2015-16.

 

Sally gave a riveting presentation on the forced displacement of approximately 60,000 indigenous people from the "Five Civilized Tribes."  From between 1830 and 1839 Native Americans were marched from the South and Southeast 5,000 miles to Indian Territory, now present day Oklahoma. History commonly now calls this the “Trail of Tears” where 15,000 people died. Sally recently became interested in the subject due to learning that much of this happened around where she grew up in Northwest Arkansas and that all 60,000 migrants passed through her home state. Sally gave a moving presentation detailing the causes of Native American removal, life in internment camps and on the nearly 1,000-mile trail routes, and the success of the Cherokee citizens' in rebuilding their lives and creating businesses.

 

She made the program even more memorable by introducing her friend Kole Matheson, a Cherokee Nation West citizen. Kole can trace his family back seven generations and told of ancestors who suffered on the trail when they were forced to move to what is now Oklahoma. Kole reminded us that in Hampton Roads three groups of indigenous people were flourishing on this land when the first settlers arrived. The Lumbee, the Nansemond and the Chesapeake tribes were all part of the Powhatan Confederacy. Kole ended his talk by reading a poem in Cherokee and English about the Trail of Tears that he was commissioned to write. Kole, an English professor at Old Dominion University, invited us to an Indigenous Language Symposium at ODU on March 11 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

 

The Meeting

 

President Jeff Wells called Ed Kellam forward for heart-felt prayer.

• Buck Cummings and Kole Matheson - guests of Sally Hartman
• Joan Atkinson - guest of Sigur Whitaker
• Ina Diepold and Dr. Joy Powell - both have applied to join the club
• Leslie Finch - Chip Finch's wife
• Luz Pinto - guest of Mark Shaw

• Laura Beth Dehority just returned from Puerto Rico with her husband where they saw her husband’s college roommate
• Rob Sult was excited to announce the RYLA Conference (Rotary youth conference) and that our club is sponsoring students from Granby High School to attend.
• Barbara Lipkis was happy to be caring for grandchildren while their parents are on vacation.
• Chris Bugg was happy to encounter at Dairy Queen an employee who saw his Rotary hat and mentioned being  involved in Rotaract

• ODU Rotaract Club students recently enjoyed pizza and made tie blankets to be given to the PrimePlus Senior Center where Rotarian Bob Batcher is executive director. Our club sponsors the Rotaract Club.
• The Interact Club at Norfolk Collegiate that we sponsor is volunteering with our club at the Girl Scouts Cookie Count n’ Go in Suffolk on Saturday, February 24, from 9:30-12 noon. More club volunteers are needed to help load cookies into cars for Scouts to deliver.
• More club volunteers are needed for a YELLOWHAB Black History Month event at Slover Library on February 20 at 5 p.m.
• Our meeting on February 20 will be upstairs at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club due to another event happening in the ballroom.

• Strategic Thinking;
• Development of Capabilities;
• Education, Training and Exercises; and
• Cooperation and Engagement.

• Birthday wishes were sung to all our February Birthday Rotarians. Fines were also collected.
• The following Rotarians celebrated Rotary Anniversaries: Joe New (49), Collins Gooch (22), Bernie Cohen (14), Marilyn Gowen (7), Bob Batcher (4)
• Sigur Whitaker gave a short history of The Rotary International Foundation and presented Paul Harris pins to the following Rotarians: Joe New (+3), Bob Healy (+5), Collins Gooch (+7), Chris Bugg (+4), Hank Thompson (+1), Dave Charney (+2)
• Chris Flanagan was inducted into the club by President Jeff. Tom Ambler is his sponsor.
• ODU’s Rotoract Club is Tie Blanket party on February 9^th from 5:30-7:30pm.

Paul Harris Fellow awards

• Tom Koller and Chick Robison were congratulated by President Jeff for getting TowneBank as the Lead Sponsor for Suds & Buds.
• Bob Healy and his wife celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary
• Chris Bugg thanked Ralph Peter for supporting Special Olympics at the annual Polar Plunge. Special Olympics is our partner for Suds & Buds this year along with Norfolk Botanical Garden.
• Rob Sult thanked the club for their support during his recent medical issues.

Dr. Kevin Leslie, assistant vice president for innovation and commercialization for the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium (HRBRC), was the featured speaker at the September 5, 2023 club meeting. He highlighted the Consortium, which formed in 2020 as a state-sponsored partnership linking Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University and Sentara Healthcare. I

The consortium addresses health disparities, jumpstarts scientific research and advances biohealth development and innovation in the Hampton Roads region. It also aims to improve the collaboration between consortium partners and community partners such as the Jefferson Lab and local governments. One consortium goal is to turn research into practical uses that can help with economic development. HRBRC helps fund research and assists biomedical start-ups. 

HRBRC has two locations -- one in downtown Norfolk and another near the border of Suffolk and Portsmouth. The second location, which recently opened, has equipment that permits state-of-the-art 3-D printing that can create replacement body parts for patients. The multi-purpose facility has high- level security that enables it to work with federal agencies and other organizations that require it. 

Leslie is proud that his organization has received recognition for its work, including an award from the National Institute of Health. Leslie also is that the Consortium’s work has yielded financial returns that equal the initial investment for the Consortium. 

The Meeting

• Jim Tucker’s invocation focused on 10 life rules from Canada’s indigenous people. 
• Our one visitor today, John Ehehalt, was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk, with Jeff Wells as his sponsor.
• Mary Insley, new membership chair, reminded members that they are all on the membership committee and are encouraged to invite potential Rotarians to a future meeting.
• Mark Shaw reported that Marty Raiss’ husband George is expected to be out of the hospital soon. 
• President Jeff announced that the deadline to sign up to play golf and/or attend the social at the Rotary Golf Tournament is this Thursday, September 7. 
• The club raffle will return to club meetings later this month. 
• An upcoming volunteer event coming will be to be part of an All-District Read project, with the plan being to distribute books to schools and to construct and place 5+ Little Libraries. A location is needed to store books to give to Norfolk Public Schools elementary school children. 
• Members were reminded to pay their dues; if a copy a of the invoice is needed, ask Karen.
• Sigur Whitaker presented a first-time Paul Harris pin to Kay Stine and a Paul Harris +7 pin to Al Carmichael. 

Happy bucks

• September birthdays and Rotary anniversaries were celebrated. 
• John Searing is happy his daughter at the University of Virginia recently joined a Rotaract chapter in part because of her involvement with our club. 
• Bob Heely honored the memory of the recently deceased Jimmy Buffet
• Jeff Wells gave thanks for a great trip he recently made to see a long-time friend. 
• Jim Tucker is happy about his recent trip to the Canadian Rockies with his wife and grandsons.
• Joe New is also happy about his trip to Quebec.
• Chris Bugg is happy about the defeat by the Duke football team of Clemson.
• Sally Hartman is happy to have improved her freestyle swim stroke this summer.
• Eleanor Schoonover is happy that the club’s international grant proposal has now made it to the Foundation level.
• Pam Tubbs is happy that her son is now the pastor at the oldest Presbyterian church in South Carolina.
• Chick Robison is happy about his new knee.
• Dr. Abby  Van Voorhees was highlighted by President Jeff for being featured in a medical magazine.
• Linwood Beckner was happy to see the late. Dr. Robert Archer, a club member, featured in the same medical magazine. 

• Marty Reiss is happy her husband's health is improving and celebrated her Dad's 104th birthday today.
• Lori Harrison's phone went off during the meeting.
• Tom Koller's daughter has a clean bill of health from her doctor regarding cervical cancer 
• Chris Bugg was happy he found two Monarch Butterfly caterpillars one of which he has taken under his wind to nourish in hopes that covers him since he has killed some of his wife's plants while she has been gone on vacation.
•  Carlisle Wortman is happy for a great vacation spending two weeks in Greece before attending a grandson’s high school graduation in Durham. Two weeks later, they were on their way to a Danube River cruise with a few extra days in Budapest..
• Gus Stuhlreyer  had a great vacation and attended a golf tournament at Greenbrier Golf Club and was in a shot on TV 
• Gary Bonnewell is happy his friend had a successful Chemo treatment.

President Jeff had the privilege of inducting Peter Schmidt as our newest member. Peter was sponsored by Chick Robison and is the Interim President of the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Club Business

President Jeff called the meeting to order, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sigur Whitaker accompanied by Pam Tubbs on piano led us in song.  The invocation was provided by Jim Tucker.  Mark Shaw provided the visitation report.  Marty Raiss let us know that her husband, George, was doing much better and that they were very appreciative of the club’s support.  Chick Robison mentioned that Will King had entered memory care at The Ballentine.

Guests included Brandon Bledsoe (Kim Hammer) and Keith Thoroughgood (Steve Jones).

Sigur Whitaker presented Tom Ambler with his Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin.  She also reminded us of 5 ways to give to the RI Foundation.

• Through the optional $25 surcharge to our dues
• Set up a recurring payment through the RI website
• Make Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA
• Write a check and mail it or give to Karen to send in
• Take advantage of Giving Tuesday to earn matching points toward your next Paul Harris designation

The club was reminded of the following upcoming events:

• Community Service Project with Equikids on Aug 2^nd
• Club Golf Tournament on Sept 13^th.  36 players have registered, so far

• Elizabeth Pasqualini – guest of President Laurie and a member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club
• Dave Pardy – guest of Susan Donn who has moved here from Sarasota, Florida, and is a neighbor of Susan’s at Harbor’s Edge

Vice President in Charge of Programs – Barbara Lipskis introduced the Rotarian of the Day - Linwood Beckner who is a Norfolk native, he joined the Club in 1986 and served as Club President in 1996.

Linwood introduced Andrew, he is the Director of Federal Government Affairs at The Port of Virginia. He is back to give us an update on The Port. Andrew joined The Port in August 2014. Prior to joining, Andrew worked for Organization Management Group, the Hampton Roads Partnership, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, Inc. 

Andrew earned his bachelor's degree from Hampden-Sydney College and has been part of several leadership programs including Leadership Chesapeake (2005), LEAD Hampton Roads (2007), Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula (2009), and Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership (2015). In 2008, Andrew was included in Inside Business' Top Forty Under 40. An Eagle Scout, Andrew remains engaged with the Boy Scouts and is an active member of Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk. He serves on the Boards of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the North Atlantic Ports Association, and the National Waterways Conference. Andrew, his wife, Lauren, and their two children lice in Chesapeake.

Andrew gave an update on the State of The Port. His presentation can be found on The Port’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/3hBpwBv_zVo. His presentation included a review the Cy22 performance - How the market is doing now, Changes in the works, and Acceleration. 

First, 2022 was a record year with a 5% growth. This growth rate is especially incredible because they grew at this rate without congestion. Virginia is neck and neck with The Port of Houston. Looking back the results show a 32% growth over 2020. It’s The Ports goal to continue to capture market share and want to maintain growth moving forward. What does growth mean to community? Adding jobs to region, resulting in faster economic growth to region. 

In a recent study by William & Mary University the Port and related industries have created 12% of new jobs equaling half-a-million jobs and $41.4 billion in incomes. Andrew discussed the recent changes The Ports has seen, in 2023, they are seeing volumes dropping. This is the result of more people are traveling and going on outings versus staying home causing a drop in volume of imports. He gave an update on projects The Port is currently working on including an increases in inland facilities as reflected in barge and rail numbers and to accommodate the Vessel growth of larger ships with 16k TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent units). 

He shared import cargo growth is expected from Indian continent and also North Europe. The Port is getting the market share of movement on containers from West to East coast. Andrew said business that work with The Port are looking for the market to digitalize tracking capabilities, to increase decarburization. The port plans on being zero in net carbon emissions by 2040, having 100% of purchased energy be from clean energy and carbon neutrals. 

• The on-going, 20 year plan, to build an underpass at the North end of facility which will lessen the traffic woes for some.
• The Navy isn’t supporting the expansion of the dredging, but Feds are supporting with funds from the US Army Corp of Civil Project.  
• China is very aggressively investing in the Port industry. They are keeping an eye on their progress.
• Exports are on the rise with a lot of growth in past years coming mostly from agriculture projects.
• The Port of Virginia ranking in comparison to NY/NJ and Savanna, Virginia – Hampton Roads is #3. Baltimore is not really a competitor.

Linda thanked Andrew for his presentation. She told him we will be making a donation to PolioPlus in his honor.

Here is the link to the city's news release about text alerts for trains on Hampton Boulevard.  Instructions to subscribe are included.  Please feel free to distribute to the club and all those who may be interested.
https://www.norfolk.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5614&ARC=10867#:~:text=Don't%20sit%20in%20traffic,text%20NFKTrain%20to%20888%2D777.

Club Business

Sigur Whitaker led the music.

• Welcome new member Kim Hammer who received her Blue badge
• Passing of Jean Owen, her obituary was read

• Fines for mentions - Angela, Martha, Stephen - power bowl
• Happy bucks Jeff- national convention
• Happy bucks - Norfolk medical team saved 8 year old

• Armed Forces YMCA, which provides childcare and other services for military families. The grant will support a program that helps military children gain coping skills and connect with other children whose parents also are deployed.
• Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation, which provides comfort kits for people undergoing cancer treatment. The grant will pay for Smile Kits for area residents.
• Circle A Home for Horses, which rescues slaughter-house bound horses and gives them new life as part of area programs helping children of all abilities gain confidence. The grant will support a summer camp program. 
• EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, which connects up to 120 people a week with horses for therapy. Participants include children and adults with special abilities as well as veterans, first responders and military personnel. The grant will support the riding program.
• Hope House Foundation, which provides homes and supportive services for area adults living with disabilities. The grant will help enhance services.
• Maury High School PTA, which supports students at the oldest public high school in Virginia. The grant will provide toiletries, hygiene kits, clothing and other items needed to help Norfolk students experiencing homelessness stay in school and graduate.
• Mercy Medical Angels, is based in the region and is the country's largest provider of free transportation for medical care. The grant will help Norfolk residents with gas cards, bus tickets or plane rides needed to get to treatments.
• Sail Nauticus Foundation, provides sailing instructions for Norfolk residents. The grant will support a program for middle school students that teaches them swim and be safe in water and gain educational skills while also learning to sail boats.
• Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command, provides an array of services for area residents. This grant will support the 19th Street Shelter in Norfolk as it provides meals, laundry facilities, transportation and housing for adults experiencing homelessness.
• Special Olympics of Chesapeake, which provides year-round sports opportunities for area children and adults living with disabilities. The grant will help start a swimming program.
• The UP Center, which has 21 programs to help area families with services that include mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with disabilities. The grant will help families with travel vouchers.
• YELLOW, which operates the YellowHab school providing free education for Norfolk students from lower-income neighborhoods. The grant will support the educational program for grades 1 through 6.

• Members were reminded of the Rotary Networking Coffee on April 25^th at 8 am at Virginia Stage Company – Wells Theatre
• Suds and Buds on May 18^th are asking for your help to find additional sponsors. Contact Tom Koller or Chris Bugg
• Tom Koller introduced Charlie Gunter from Virginia Natural Gas who will be our presenting sponsor of Suds and Buds.
• Mark the District 7600 End Polio Now Baseball Game on May 21^st at 1:05 PM in your calendar.
• Chick Robison encouraged members to bring student guests to the May 9^th Jefferson Lab Program
• Armistead Williams was inducted as our newest club member by President Laurie Harrison and sponsor Chick Robison. Armistead is a retired Neurologist, with many talents and skills and will be an active member in our club.
• Sigur Whitaker reminded members that it was Giving Tuesday and the benefits of donating on this day.
• President Laurie Harrison read a letter from Erle Marie Latimer who wished to convey her gratitude to the club for the Resolution in honor of her husband and late Rotarian Robert Latimer.
• Chick Robison was the winning Rotarian who brought in the most guests and new members in our Membership month and was awarded 2 tickets for Suds & Buds

• Bob Heely:  For his son, Bobby assumed command of San Diego Naval Base
• Barb Lipskis: For her opportunity to care for grandkids!

• Mary Insley suffered an injury to her heel and is missing a meeting for the first time since becoming a member.
• Gus Stuhlreyer had his hip replacement last week and is complying with the rehabilitation program.

• Gary Bonnewell was a guest of Kay Stine
• Hank Thompson was a guest of Chip Vogan
• Abby Van Vorhees was a guest of Chip Vogan and will be a member soon.
• Linda Archer is Bob Archer’s wife (becoming a member soon)
• Charlie Gunter from Virginia Natural Gas was a guest of Tom Kohler  Presenting Sponsor of Suds & Buds.

For Career Day, our club partners each year with Norfolk Public Schools. The program pairs high school seniors with Rotarians who spend a day introducing students to professionals in careers they are considering. Bob Heely, who has worked with Career Day since its inception in the 1980s, emceed the March 14 program and read what he calls “Heely Highlights” from student essays. 

Norfolk public school representatives thanked the club for broadening students’ horizons, noting that Career Day is an example of how combining efforts of families, schools and the community can lift kids.

After meeting with their assigned Rotarians and observing professions, students wrote essays. In his highlights, Bob noted the wide range of experiences the students had with Rotarians, from spending time with artistic producers to lawyers and professionals in medicine real estate, and engineering.

In their essays, students expressed excitement and awe as they explained how the Rotary experience showed them career possibilities. As a result of Career Day, students can picture themselves working in specific fields and have made contacts that can help them excel. 

Students expressed thanks that professionals took the time to show them around and talk about their desired professions. 

Rotarian Michelle Nettles judged the essays, and four winners each received $100 gift certificates. They also read their essays at the meeting. Those winners were:

• Fiona John (Maury High), who spent time at Virginia Zoo with Greg Bockheim
• Noelle Searing (Maury High), who visited EVMS with Laurie Harrison
• Trent Wagers (Granby High), who toured maritime industry locations with Bob Heely
• Puneeth Bheesetty (Granby High), who explored Old Dominion University engineering labs with Bob Ash

The Meeting

President Laurie Harrison called the meeting to order, and Eleanor Schoonover led us in song accompanied by Pam Tubbs. Marilyn Gowen gave the invocation. Donald Dohmann introduced guests, excluding students and their teachers attending Career Day.

Visiting Rotarians:

• James Grant from Charleston, S.C.
• Ralph Peter from Germany

 Other Visitors:

• Chip Vogan introduced Abby Van Vorhees, an EVMS dermatology professor, and John Cameron’s widow
• Bob Archer introduced his wife and guest, Linda Archer, who recently retired from EVMS

Club Business

• Michael Desplaines gave a pitch for Suds and Buds, encouraging Rotarians to encourage their companies to purchase sponsorships.
• Tony Bennett was inducted as a new member. He was introduced by Bill Davis and has Jim Tucker as his sponsor. 
• The club voted today on three new members.

Fines and Happy Bucks

• Chris Bugg was happy Duke won the ACC championship in basketball.
• Sally Hartman is happy she rode the train to Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Flower Show.
• Tom Koller gave money for not having a lapel pin and announced the next Rotary golf tournament would be September 13 at Cypress Point Country Club and that he will chair it again.
• Eleanor Schoonover enjoyed “La Traviata” at Virginia Opera.
• Linwood and Frances Beckner are happy for a trip to Florida where they visited with Rotarians Kay Kemper, Susan Donn, and Walt Sobczyk.
• Ralph Peters recently completed running 200.3 miles for Operation Iraqi Freedom and encouraged Rotarians to sponsor him at 50 cents a mile (to go to charity) for running the Shamrock Marathon this week. (Please note on your payment if you’re giving money for Ralph’s cause)
• Lisa Chandler was happy to be at the meeting.

1. Feel great about being a Rotarian.
2. Make a commitment to enhancing a behavior to further the spirit of being a proud Rotarian.

• Birthday wishes were sung to all our March Birthday Rotarians. Fines were also collected.
• 35 Rotarians and Guests attended the recent Member/Guest Social on March 1^st at Elation Brewery.

• Mary Insley went from her Red Badge to her Blue Badge.
• The District 7600 End Polio Baseball game will be on May 21^st at Harbor Park.
• The club was entertained by Tom Koller and Laura DeHority’s slapstick update on Suds & Buds as you all know Suds & Buds in on May 18^th from 5:30-8:30pm at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The Wine Pull is accepting donations of $20/member and using the Norfolk Yacht Club’s purchasing power to obtain bottles. Sponsors are still needed.

• Mary Insley went to Marti Gras and her son’s company had an item in the Smithsonian.
• Sharon Laderberg was happy that Jim Tucker is relieving Sigur Whitaker of her website duties, grateful for Joey Rothgery’s and Tom Ambler’s hard work on the Resolutions, and celebrated her Grandson’s birthday.
• Laura Beth DeHority had a great trip to Aruba, the “Happy Island”.
• Barbara Lifland returned from a 5-week trip to the Caribbean.
• Jeff Wells attended President’s Training and participated in preparing 10,000 meals for the Rise for Hunger program.
• Winston Whitehurst and his wife were celebrating their 59^th wedding anniversary.
• Chris Bugg was happy that Duke beat UNC in basketball.
• Marty Rais’s husband is recovering and she thanked all for the club’s support.

• Past District Governor Susie Starnes was visiting from Plainview, Texas, and brought a club banner to exchange. She came with Jennifer Priest.
• Chris Bugg brought Trey Dudley. He is a principal at First Virginia.
• Chick Robison bought Michael Baglio who recently moved here from Texas. His wife is a physician with CHKD and he started a charity for sick children.
• Barb Lipskis brought Allison Erkelens who formerly was a documentary writer including for the Discovery Channel.

• Tom Koller has just returned from NYC to celebrate his daughter’s continued remission from cancer. He also celebrated President Laurie’s 10-year-old grandson’s birthday.
• Barb Lipskis celebrated with her twins their 37^th birthday in Williamsburg.
• Jim Tucker had a surprise visit from his daughter and two grandchildren.
• Jay Kossman is excited that he and his wife will soon be leaving on a trip to Portugal and Spain.
• Jeff Wells is renovating a former movie theater that had been turned into a church. It is now being renovated back into a movie theater. He is thankful for the assistance he has gotten from the Salvation Army in disposing of furniture and other goods from the property. He has a ton of choir robes in case anyone needs one (or many).

• Walt Grandy was president from 1974-1975. Walt was always there working behind the scenes and ensuring the club stayed on the right path.
• Jack McGee was a retired submariner. Jack was a strong recruiter for Rotary and probably brought more people into the club than any other member.
• At John Padgett’s first Rotary International Convention, Wells Gresham ran into John Capps, a well-known Rotarian from North Carolina. Immediately upon seeing John Padgett’s nametag, John Capps immediately recalled his friendship with Wells.
• Past District Governor Paul Sykes gave John Padgett his District Governor pin when John became a District Governor. Paul Sykes was behind the club’s Ro-Toys project which took broken toys and repaired them for children and was behind the largest financial gift to the club from the Ford Foundation in support of our oyster reef project.
• John talked about the Tiel exchange which is currently being headed by Diane Wallach. The Rotary Club in Tiel and our club have been exchanging students since 1974.

• Thank you to everyone who came to the Food Bank service project.  If you attended would you please stand?  We packed 544 bags of food to go into backpacks.  The backpacks are distributed at area schools for children to have food over the weekend. 
• February is Membership Month! Please bring a prospective member to join us for lunch. 
• February is Membership month – thank you to everyone who brought a guest and thank you to all our guests for joining us today.  Member/Guest Social at Elation Brewing, Wednesday, March 1^st, 5-7 pm, register on our website.  Rotarians who bring a guest will receive a free drink ticket and we’ll have some pizza from Chelsea Bakehouse.  Please sign up today! 
• The Member Moment – Why you I love Rotary? By Past President Lorna Cochrane –

• Grant applications are available on our website - Due today!! 

• Invoices have gone out – please pay asap! 
• Suds and Buds is on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30-8:30 pm. We need sponsors-please see Chris Bugg or Tom Koller for more information. 
• District 7600 End Polio Now Baseball Game, May 21, 1:05 pm 
• Ed Kellam turned his Red Badge to a Blue Badge: Congratulations Ed! 
• Thank you to everyone who donated Feminine Hygiene products today.  These supplies will be donated at the RYLA retreat this weekend to help area women.  RYLA is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and it’s an intensive leadership experience organized by our district.  Eleanor Wallach is a Senior and President of the Norfolk Collegiate Interact Club, and we are supporting her attendance this weekend.  We look forward to hearing how she enjoyed the conference. 

• Leave no girl behind.  A Rotary International and District Wide initiative.  “It is important that we empower girls,” said Mehta, who was shortly to take office as the 2021-22 Rotary president, “as we all find that more often than not, the girl is disadvantaged. We will serve all children, but our laser focus will be especially on the girl.” 

• Fine for George Compo was seen and heard in an interview about The Railyard at Lambert’s Point…a ten-building complex with retail, office, and restaurant space that spans 4 city blocks. 
• Happy Bucks by Sharon for visiting daughter and celebrating her daughter becoming a member of Rotary.
• Happy bucks by Lorna for her daughter also becoming a Rotarian and is being sponsored by Brice Barton a previous Norfolk Rotary member.
• Happy bucks for knowing and calling Lorna friend!

• Officer Wellness
• Operate Sound
• Principle Centered leadership
• Strength in Diversity
• Creating a Learning Organization

• Thank you: Marty Raiss, Linwood Beckner & Mark Shaw for organizing the Winter Social.  We had over 60 former and current members attend.
• February is Membership Month! Please bring a prospective member to join us for lunch.
• Service Opportunity at the Foodbank, Thursday, Feb. 9th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm to pack backpacks with food that will be sent home with children on weekends.
• Grant applications are available on our website - Due on Feb. 14
• February is Membership month – thank you to everyone who brought a guest and thank you to all our guests for joining us today.  Member/Guest Social at Elation Brewing, Wednesday, March 1^st, 5-7 pm, register on our website.  Rotarians who bring a guest will receive a free drink ticket and we’ll have some pizza from Chelsea Bakehouse.  Please sign up today!
• Member testimonial – new member – Mary Insley
• Invoices have gone out – please pay asap!
• Suds and Buds are on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30-8:30 pm. We need sponsors-please to see Chris Bugg or Tom Koller for more information.
• District 7600 End Polio Now Baseball Game, May 21, 1:05 pm
• Happy Birthday, Rotary, Rotary started with the vision of one man – Paul Harris.  The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in Feb. 1905.   It began so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.  The initial meeting with Paul Harris and three others led to an international organization of service and fellowship.  Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian assistance. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

• College rivalries are good for our club finances.  I hope those North Carolina schools never learn to get along.
• VA Stage Company is doing some awesome stuff and Rotarians are always welcome in the house.
• Diana Starkey is back!  And guess what…the Virginia Arts Festival is about ready to happen. The brochure is ready.

• Paul Morlock - guest of Jeff Wells
• Kim Hammer - guest of Dave Duncan, turned in her member application today
• Cynthia Kelly - guest of Barbara Lipskis
• Dona Overstreet - guest of Linwood Beckner
• Christina Merry - Barbara Lifland's daughter
• Ralph Peter - visiting Rotarian with the German Navy currently stationed at NATO

• Michael Desplaines gave happy bucks in gratitude for his trip to Hawaii.
• Tom Koller and Mary paid fines for missing pins
• John Searing donated happy bucks in recognition of his daughter’s Netherlands exchange, and the enduring relationships which have come from it.
• Barbara Lipskis gave happy bucks, her husband Don is recovering well from his stroke and able to drive again.

• We gathered at the Town Point Club since Norfolk Yacht & Country Club was closed for the week. 
• Guests were Rev. Gordon Tubbs, Pam Tubb's son; Jill Ravenelle, a neighbor of Lois Kercher, and Tristan Warren from The UP Center.
• Lauren Kiger let us know that Bill LeHew and Bill Eisenbeiss are recovering from falls. Barbara Lipskis is under the weather, and Marty Raiss' husband George is in a physical rehab center after a hospital stay. 
• Sign up now for an evening Rotary social at Harbor's Edge on January 26. This event is for Rotarians, spouses, and significant others. 
• Jeff Ryder has set up an after-work volunteer gig for Rotarians on Feb. 9 at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & Eastern Shore. 
• We wished happy January birthdays to the following: Collins Gooch, Stephen Kirkland, Greg Bockheim, Donald Dohmann, Ann Baldwin, and Paul Sykes.
• President Laurie Harrison announced that invoices have been sent via email and that prompt payment of dues is appreciated.
• Retired Judge Joe Massey, Rotarian of the Day, was introduced by Linwood Beckner. 

• Bob Heely and his wife are celebrating 49 years of marriage.
• LauraBeth DeHority paid $1 for every page of the doctoral dissertation she successfully defended in December.
• Jay Kossman and his wife are celebrating 47 years of marriage. 
• Joe New celebrated moving to Harbor's Edge on the ninth floor. 
• Jeff Wells celebrated his mother's 92nd birthday with a new tradition -- a family oyster roast that she wants to repeat next year.
• Chris Bugg and Bob Ash are happy their alma maters won bowl games (Duke for Chris and Tulane for Bob.)

• Think before you click on an attachment.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication
• Delete unused Apps
• Avoid social media connections with strangers
• Turn off Apple AirDrop and Bluetooth when not needed
• BE CAREFUL WITH PASSWORDS        
• Avoid putting personal information on social medial

• Proactively assess the risks to business and ID what has to be kept open.
• Encourage good cyber hygiene practices
• Put policies in place and test them.

• Tom Ambler was welcomed back after surgery.
• Sister Cities is looking for help sponsoring an Open World Delegation. Contact President Laurie for more info.
• Congratulations to Sigur Whitaker who was honored with the James Pierce Foundation Leadership Award at the recent District Foundation Banquet.
• Congratulations to Past President Michael for recognition at the same banquet for support of End Polio Now and high per capita giving.
• Grand Illumination November 19.
• Salvation Army requires help with Bell Ringing and with holiday gifts on December 10h.

• John Searing donated for completing the Kona Marathon in October. He completed it in 16 hours

Barbara Lipskis introduced the Rotarian of the Day, John McLemore. John was president from 2002-2003 and has been involved in numerous initiatives over the years. For several years John spearheaded the annual visit by Russian judges who were housed in Rotarian homes (per a United States law). John’s task, to introduce fellow Rotarian, Shep Miller, who was president from 2008-2009, was a challenge. Shep was born and raised in Norfolk, majored in Political Science at Hampden Sydney College, worked for a local congressman, earned an MBA at William and Mary, and worked at Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1957 he was recruited to be the CEO of Kitco Fiber Optics, which became one of the fastest-growing companies in Virginia. Eventually, it was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, and Shep had to find other challenges.

Shep Miller, Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Virginia, decided to pay Happy Bucks because he learned on his arrival Tuesday that he still owed his dues to the club. But the ‘check is in the mail.’ Shep explained how he got involved in fundraising for Glenn Youngkin’s campaign, then participated in the planning and organizing of the Transportation Department. It seems that his wife, Gigi, was persuaded to encourage his ongoing participation as Secretary; he still seems puzzled about how that was done!

Department of Motor Vehicles was the first focus of his tenure. Shep noted that the people were good and sincere, but not well-managed. The Youngkin administration focuses on metrics and cost-benefit analyses. If it’s important, it should be measured. Wait times at DMV averaged 38 minutes across the state; now the average wait time is 8 minutes—as of last week. Shep personally went to a local office to obtain a RealId. He waited an hour and twenty-five minutes. He learned a lot about the process bottlenecks. Those have been addressed. As a bonus, his photograph was sent to all the offices with a note that he would be out to visit them.

The Transportation budget is $10B, which doesn’t include partnerships with private entities; there are 10K employees. He discussed the Elizabeth River Tunnels partnership with a Spanish firm. Of note, due to a recent arrangement, folks making less than $50K annually can get a one-half price for tolls. Shep also commented on the Port of Virginia which was recently cited as ‘the most efficient container port in the US.’ He has also toured the Amazon facility in Suffolk; 3M square feet and the second largest building in Virginia (second to the Pentagon).

Shep expounded on the importance of the 1cent sales tax which goes to paying for the maintenance of roads and tunnels. The focus of the administration is on spending to make a difference, i.e., to unlock economic potential. Road work helps unlock potential in various ways: it improves the tourist experience so which increases benefits in areas focused on tourism, but it also improves access for daily workers, helps move cargo from the port to inland distribution centers, etc. Shep discussed spending on I81, as well as 3 miles in Northern Virginia which will cost $600M. Shep was not a believer in tolls, but he has been converted. Traffic management and shifting demand can be done through tolling; the behavior of drivers is affected by tolling.

Finally, Shep turned his attention to local projects. He discussed ‘smart scale’ metrics which compare projects and how they will improve conditions. Traffic studies are key to these metrics. Shep asked: how many studies were conducted on bike lanes? Answer: none. They are not safe; they are not used. How much money was spent to reorganize streets with bike lanes? Answer: too much.

As for trains, there is a plan to spend $1B on a corridor for the trains. A bottleneck at the Potomac River leads to delays. A new bridge, just for passenger trains, would go a long way to improving this situation. Shep pointed out that inflation has hit his budget hard. Original estimates have had to be increased by $120M this year due to inflation. Obviously, projects may have to be cut back or delayed.

During the Q and A, Shep was asked about the toll on the new HRBT. He encouraged us to lobby our local elected officials as they are on the committee that decides. But he predicted that our current system of HOV lanes at certain times of the day will be changed so that they are permanently tolled.

Everyone was appreciative of such a candid and nuanced presentation. Thanks to Shep!

The Meeting

President Laurie had Randy Garrett attempt to use the microphone, which had a pronounced droop. Randy and Pam Tubbs on the keyboard led us in “Happy Days are here again,” and “Grand Ole Flag.” After the usual Pledge of Allegiance and The Four-Way Test, Julie Keesling offered the invocation. (Remember the 3 B’s: be clear, be brief, and be seated!)

Visitation/Introduction of Visitors

Dave Duncan had a lengthy list of visitors due to the unique appeal of our speaker, Shep Miller. John McLemore introduced Shep’s wife, Gigi, and son, Wills. Barclay Winn, no stranger to Rotary, was also there. John Padgett introduced Garry Hartlieb, a fellow lawyer and prospective member. Linwood Beckner hosted Carley Brierre and Victoria Pickett. Jim Tucker brought Casey Dunn. Bill Eisenbeiss introduced Bill Rachels.

Club Business

President Laurie thanked Julie Keesling for her club service over the years. This a reminder of the float being organized for the Grand Illumination parade on Nov. 19th. And there will be an excellent opportunity for community service on Saturday, Dec. 10th, from 9 AM to 1 PM to help the Salvation Army set up for the annual holiday distribution.

Happy Bucks & Fines

There were many happy bucks to share!

• Bob Batcher of the matchless voice served as a master of ceremonies using the microphone so the call could hear the news.
• Sally Hartman has a new car (after an unfortunate accident).
• Michael Desplaines celebrated the acquisition of cacti for the new conservatory at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
• Jeff Wells handed out Rotary decals for the parade;
• Chris Bugg made a pitch for seeking a non-profit partner for next spring’s Suds ‘n Buds.
• Ed Kellam reminded us of the 247th Marine Corps birthday.
• Linwood Beckner noted that Ben Mason’s daughter ran the New York Marathon. President Laurie added that Tom Koller walked the marathon.

1. Internationally through Rotary International or what she calls “Big Rotary.”
2. At or local level through the Norfolk Rotary Endowment, which she calls “Little Rotary.”

• Betsy Burnette, widow of Bill Burnette
• Maria Miller, Mary Insley’s friend from California is considering moving to our area
• Sharon Laderberg’s father, Howard Kesser, who is a cousin of Berry Kesser

• We welcomed new member Ed Kellam whose sponsor is Chick Robison. 
• We welcomed new member Mary Insley whose sponsor is LauraBeth DeHority.
• We celebrated club members' birthdays and anniversaries.
• Laurie thanked the Golf Tournament Committee for its hard work:  Tom Koller, Jeff Wells, Kelly Stefanko, Jim Tucker, Carlisle Wroton, and Marty Raiss. The golf tournament raised more than $4,000 for Polio Plus, which will be matched by Rotary International.
• Jeff Ryder dressed as Mario and represented our club at the FACT (Family of Autistic Children of Tidewater) family fun day.
• With Jeff Wells’ leadership, we will have a float in the Grand Illumination Parade on November 19. This is our November community service project. 
• December service project in partnership with the Sunrise Club is Salvation Army stocking stuffing set for Saturday, Dec 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mal Branch’s memorial service will be Saturday, November 5.
• The district awards ceremony in Williamsburg is on November 10^. Let Laurie know if you’re going. If we have eight people we get a reserved table.
• Kay Stine earned her blue badge. 

• Chris Bugg – didn’t have a pin (he had to thank Eleanor for her generosity in letting him borrow one) and called out John Miller for being in the top 40 under 40. He also paid for Duke losing in football to UNC)
• Joey Rothgery announced the blood drive going on at the Yacht Club today until 3 pm today.
• Bill Lehew for the Washington Commanders and former ODU player Taylor Heineke who scored the winning touchdown.
• LauraBeth DeHority for four new tires and Mary Insley’s induction
• Sally Hartman for her foursome getting lost at the club golf tournament but also for surviving her car getting t-boned the next day.
• Sigur Whitaker for UNC beating Duke in football
• Ben Mason – asked for people to speak up as they couldn’t hear well.
• Jim Kitts – forgot his pen

Colleen, a past president of the New Kent Rotary Club, was introduced by Past President Pam Tubbs, a polio survivor. Colleen, a tireless champion for Polio Plus, has volunteered at 13 polio inoculation days in India and Nigeria. She won Rotary International's Service Above Self Award for her dedication to eradicating polio. 

"Polio is only a plane ride away," Coleen said. While it was eradicated in our country decades ago thanks to the Salk and Sabin vaccines, polio re-appeared in New York in July in an unvaccinated man who flew in from another country and is now paralyzed. Twenty years had passed since this country saw a previous case, but this one infected 10 people in five New York boroughs among communities that do not believe in vaccines. 

Colleen reminded luncheon attendees that Rotary International's 1985 commitment to eradicate polio has saved millions of people but that it is dangerous work. This year 12 vaccinators have been killed while trying to help prevent polio. She encouraged Rotarians to continue supporting PolioPlus so it has enough 60-cent-a-dose vaccines to immunize children in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries where it is most needed. She commended past District Governor John Padgett for the generosity that has earned him PolioPlus Society status. 

The Meeting

• Ben Mason's visitation report celebrated the return of Cy Grandy. It noted that Jean Owens is in memory care at Westminster-Canterbury and enjoys visitors, Rick Coradi is back to golfing and that Chip Vogan is recovering from an illness.
• Guests were Mary Insley, a prospective member, and Rotarian Jennifer Priest from the Sunrise Club.
• President Laurie Harrison reminded members that the club has a Zoom option with a link sent out with meeting RSVP notices. She and Vice President Barbara Lipskis recently attended the district conference. She shared a moving poem about the joys of Rotary service that debuted at the conference. 
• Tom Koller highlighted the golf tournament, social, and auction coming up the next day.
• The October Community Service Day is an October 29 Trunk or Treat event at Camp Grom for children through the FACT (Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater). Jeff Ryder is coordinating the service event. 

Happy Bucks

• Barbara Lipskis, who had been painting purple pinkies for Polio Plus donations, reported $138 raised for polio prevention at the meeting.
• Sally Hartman was happy to have had trips to national parks out west and to Arkansas for her high school reunion and to see long-time friends. She and Ron also just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
• Joe New had a wonderful trip to Lisbon except for the Covid souvenir he picked up there. 
• Bob Heely is thrilled his son, Ted, is a new dad and the father of Beckham, Bob's first male grandchild. 
• Tom Koller noted that it was snowing in Buffalo and he was glad he moved to Hampton Roads and avoided the snow.

• The District 7600 Conference is being held Thursday, October 13, 2022, through Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa
• The Rotary Club of Norfolk Golf Tournament is taking place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Cypress Point Golf Course. So far, 48 golfers have registered to play and 75 Rotarians and guests have signed up for the evening social. Proceeds will help RI’s effort to eradicate polio.
• The next service project is October 29, 2022, from 4-7 pm. It is a “Trunk or Treat” in conjunction with The Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater. More information is available on our ClubRunner site.
• The Club will have a float in this year’s Grand Illumination Parade on November 19, 2022. Details are still being worked out.

• Lois Kercher was happy to have visited the new Children’s Mental Health Hospital in Norfolk.
• Joey Rothgery has been named the PrimePlus Board President for the new term.
• Ann Baldwin announced that she is a first-time great-grandparent.
• Bob Batcher confessed to his cell phone going off during the last meeting.
• Linwood Beckner spoke of the skinny-dipping exploits of Ann Baldwin. The remarks were luckily rated “PG”.
• Chris Bugg had something going on with a Rotary T-shirt.

• Pam Tubbs was fined for her story in the Pilot – What a Trip. 
• Stephen Kirkland was fined for being featured in the paper regarding his Tourism Award. 
• Michael gave happy bucks for being able to see Hamilton (finally) and gave happy bucks for Jeff Ryder’s assistance with tickets and expressed how lucky our community is to have the VSC, an Equity Theater, in our area. 
• Lorna gave happy bucks for a recent trip to Canada where she saw her daughter, it had been such a long time. She also commented on the crazy driving in Montreal!
• Barbara Lipskis paid a fine for not wearing her pin and encourage the rest of us to fess up too. 
• Dianna Starkey paid a fine for not wearing her pin. 
• Happy bucks were also given for 30th anniversary and 25-day trip 
• Happy bucks were also given for a new car and a Safari trip.

• Carlisle Wroton – Ron Chupik, facilities manager, and Joe Baron, Norfolk Sherriff
• Kay Stine – Rise Flenner, tax accountant, and lawyer with PB Mares
• Bob Batcher – Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.
• LauraBeth Dehority – Mary Insley, a fellow former Californian who just moved to our area and attended Growlfest where they met.

• President Laurie Harris announced the passing of John Cameron and called for a moment of silence in his memory
• Laurie thanked Linwood Beckner for hosting our club social
• Growlfest was a success, thanks to Chris Bugg and LauraBeth DeHority for leading the effort and so many Rotarians for helping out at the event. We had over 24 volunteers from our club provide more than 68 hours of their time.
• Members were reminded of the upcoming Golf Tournament, social, and auction – on October 19^th at Cypress Point. Proceeds will benefit End Polio Now.  Register to play, attend the social, and donate a raffle or auction item.
• Jeff Wells is leading a group to build a Rotary float in this year’s Norfolk’s Grand Illumination parade on Nov. 19^th. Please let him know if you are interested in helping.
• The district continues to collect bagged rice and beans to help with hunger.  Please bring your donations (of 3lbs or less) to next week’s meeting or the first meeting in October. 

• Sigur’s most recent book, Racing with Roger Penske, has been published
• Bruce Wilcox, Chic Robison, and Susan Donn bought new cars
• Linwood Beckner gave happy bucks for seeing Pam Tubbs back in person again
• Pam Tubbs gave happy bucks for being late

• Laurie Harrison is the “Big Boss”

• Jeff Wells, President-Elect

• Barb Lipskis, VP of Programs

• Dave Duncan, Sec/Treasurer

• Gus Stuhlreyer, Finance Committee

• Michael Desplaines, Past President

• Barbara Lifland, Administration Director

• Martha Raiss, Fellowship

• Sharon Laderberg, Public Image

• Chris Bugg, Fundraising

• Kelly Stefanko, Community and International Service

• Tom Ambler, Vocational Service

• John McLemore, Parliamentarian

Rachel introduced Tricia Raxter, Senior Analyst – Illegal Wildlife Trade at Focused Conservation and United for Wildlife. Tricia has a MA and Ph.D. She loves nature and wildlife and works as an intelligence Analyst. She spoke about the scope, scale, and assumptions of Wildlife Crime.

Tricia spoke about the how illegal wildlife trade has escalated into a multi-billion-dollar industry in just the last decade. Now a global crisis, the trafficking of ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife commodities threatens the survival of some of our planet’s most iconic species. It is estimated that the illegal wildlife trade generates up to $23 billion a year, making it the fourth largest criminal industry in the world after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Whole species are being hunted to extinction, as part of an illegal trade that benefits organized criminal gangs. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the five most lucrative global crimes. Illegal killing and trading of wild animals is a global crisis, with species being hunted to extinction for their horns, skins, and teeth.

Tricia spoke about how wildlife and environmental crime is logistically sophisticated and part of a syndicate of players and organizations. Locating targeted species, and arranging the quick extraction and transportation to ready buyers around the globe demands talented players. She spoke about how this is more than a conservation issue. Poachers are often experts. Along with the wildlife and plant trade comes arms trade, drug, and human traffickers, gangs, and human violations. Many high-profile people have been involved in this trade seeking the novel experience of owning a powerful cheetah, an exotic plant, or sought-after traditional medicinal remedies.

Tricia challenged our assumptions. The illegal trade is not just in Africa, not just ivory, or exotic birds. Africa continues to be the major source. Asia has the greatest demand followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos Myanmar, and Indonesia. Jaguars are a hot item. The Galapagos are being infiltrated with sophisticated extraction strategies.

There are Wildlife Protections and organizations such as United for Wildlife and Focused Conservation. United for Wildlife was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2014. It aims to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance, or profit from illegal wildlife products. By working collaboratively with the transport and finance sectors, building key partnerships with law enforcement and NGOs, and sharing information and best practices across the sectors, and across borders, United for Wildlife is disrupting this criminal network globally.

Tricia is part of the investigative team supported by expert intelligence analysts who play a vital role in piecing together the complex web of criminal supply chains, and training specialists who work with government agencies to build capacity and long-term solutions to wildlife crime. Expert intelligence analysts play a vital role in piecing together the complex web of criminal supply chains, and training specialists who work with government agencies to build capacity and long-term solutions to wildlife crime.

Club Business

Our 2022-2023 President Laurie Harrison opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test. Bob Heely led us in song and Marilyn Gowen provided a reflective invocation. For visitation, Chris Bugg mentioned that our Immediate Past President Michael Desplaines is back. Chris also mentioned that Rick Coradi would appreciate a call or hearing from members. 

Rob Sult was recognized for completing all required steps and achieving his Blue Badge. Well done Rob. 

 Our Guest this week were: 

Leslie Jackson - LauraBeth DeHority's niece

Karl Dornemann - guest of Patricia Raxter

Kalen Hammann - prospective Rotarian

Adam Donn - Susan Donn's son

Rebekah Klyukin - guest of Susan Donn

Jennifer Goff - Chris Bugg's guest

Birthdays and anniversaries were recognized in July.

• Flood Remediation
• Church Street Restoration
• Connect the community to the rest of Norfolk
• Create neighborhood amenities – greenspace/parks

• Jeff Wells introduced Kaelin Hammond, Donna Calvert, and Sherry Wells
• Donnie Dohmann introduced two Salvation Army Cadets, John, and Candy Lawrence

• Patricia Raxter was sponsored by Sally Hartman
• Jim Tucker was sponsored by Jeff Wells

• Sigur Whitaker presented Paul Harris Fellow awards on behalf of the Foundation to Tom Ambler, Kelly Stefanko, and Paul Sykes.
• Barb Lipskis, Secretary/Treasurer, announced that a budget for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year is being developed. She also stated that Club dues will be increasing for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year, and lastly that a "pay monthly" option will be available for the coming Rotary Year. 
• John Cameron collected Rotary Bucks on behalf of the Club. 
• A meeting of the Suds & Buds Committee was held after the weekly Rotary Club meeting.

• Rotarian Mo Ahumada, a member of the Garner Midday Club, has purchased a business in the Pembroke section of Virginia Beach. He expects to split his time between Garner, a Raleigh, N.C. suburb, and Hampton Roads. The Garner club is small (about 20 people) but has a fundraiser from which they have provided backpacks for feeding 133 middle school children and also to help the mentally disabled.
• Lise Desplaines, President Michael’s mother was in attendance.
• Michelle Nettles introduced her summer intern, Caroline Cashion.

• Ben Mason has returned from a trip to Exuma.
• Bill Lehew is celebrating the birth of his seventh great-grandchild, a girl. A granddaughter is graduating from Norfolk Collegiate and will be attending the University of Kentucky.
• John Searing, who has been missing in action, is glad to be back at a meeting.
• Bob Ash’s grandson is graduating from Wyoming High School in Ohio and will attend William & Mary in the fall.
• Jeff Wells has outed Sally Hartman who appeared on the Today show.

• Sigur Whitaker an enthusiastic Tar Heels fan celebrated a 50th College reunion and participated in a “hat-wearing” tradition
• John Cameron had happy bucks that his Cancer treatment is working and he is still here and alive. We are also thankful. In addition, his book, “Rose of War” is out this week. 
• Jeff Wells: Contributed happy bucks in recognition of Chris Barco from NBG for his tremendous support and help in setting up for Suds and Buds 2022

• Edmund Russel and Anne Prince – friends of Sigur from church (Sigur Whitaker)
• Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Raxter – contacted Sally through our Facebook site, a former member of Oyster Point Rotary Club. She works as an investigator with animal wildlife trafficking. (Sally Hartman)
• Bobbie Gribble – a friend of Sigur’s, Regent of Great Bridge Chapter of DAR (Sally Hartman)
• Jeff Ryder – Virginia Stage Company
• Bob Strozak – Old Dominion University Rotaract Club Sponsor (Bob Ashe)
• Petra Momcilovic – Current ODU Rotaract president (Bob Ashe)
• Karintha Cary – Past ODU Rotaract president, current club secretary (Bob Ashe)

• Gus Struhlreyer – His wife recently celebrated her 50th anniversary of graduating from the University of Denver, which won the NCAA ice hockey championship. Also, his son-in-law’s nephew chose Clemson and he gave happy bucks for his 45th anniversary.
• Tom Koller - He’s back after 2 months of rehabbing from knee replacement, and paid a fine for not going to any Suds and Buds committee meetings.
• Marilyn Gowen - She bought a new car
• Sally Hartman – She noted that her guest (Bobbie Gribble’s) grandfather was a past Rotary District Governor in Hawaii. She also asked people to visit the club’s Facebooks post for Suds and Buds and like and comment on them to help them gain traction.
• Lisa Chandler – Asked that members sign up for volunteer spots for Suds and Buds. One need is for a volunteer photographer or two. She also paid a fine for leaving early, despite being ROD.
• Jeff Wells – Paid a fine as an admission of guilt. He was the audio-visual guy when Sigur last presented and had AV troubles. He came to set up early for today’s meeting but, despite all his intentions, left the cord for the projector and ran back to his office to get it! He also mentioned he’s currently the only one on clean-up duty for Suds and Buds and is hoping for more volunteers. 
• Rob Sult – Paid for a smooth flight on a recent trip to Florida and a good time at the Chesapeake Rotary outdoor art festival, Rotarians all were identifiable because they wore matching shirts.

• Ability Center of Virginia for a music glove and laughter yoga supplies to help adults living with disabilities.
• Berkley Timberwolves Youth Athletics for basketball, cheerleading and football equipment for youth living in the Berkley neighborhood.
• Community Outreach Coalition for supplies to teach youth from disadvantaged backgrounds about potential art careers.
• Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater for programs that benefit children and young adults living with autism.
• FEAST Virginia for supplies for its program that helps struggling families learn to eat healthier and improve their lives.
• Neighborhood for programs that help South Norfolk residents learn new skills and break the cycle of poverty.
• Norfolk SPCA for microscopes for staff at its low-cost community veterinary clinic.
• St. Mary’s Home for Power Wheels cars for children living with disabilities to use during recreation and therapy sessions.
• Survivor Ventures for programs that help survivors of human trafficking gain education and new careers.
• Virginia State Company for the Dramatically Able theater workshops for visually impaired or blind youth.
• Virginia Supportive Housing to furnish two Norfolk apartments for individuals who previously experienced homelessness.

1. Norfolk SPCA will benefit from needed veterinary equipment. Rachel Keene & Carol Olson accepted the grant.  
2. Virginia Stage Company will use the award for its’ “Dramatically Able Workshop” for visually impaired and blind youth. April Le & Tom Quaintance gratefully accepted the award.
3. Berkley Timberwolves Youth Athletics will see new basketball, cheerleading, and football equipment as well as support for their Soul Bowlers program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Glen Yearling was on hand to accept the grant check.
4. St. Mary’s Home will see enhanced mobility of their children when three new motorized wheelchairs arrive. Kathleen Kaurup accepted the grant to enable this purchase.
5. Community Outreach Coalition will be able to enhance its bi-weekly training program. Kendra Robinson & Charlie James accepted the award.
6. Neighborhood will benefit from leader training that leads to career and community development and ultimately reduce neighborhood poverty. CEO Josh Jones was on hand to accept the award.

1. Ability Center of Virginia will be able to make a greater difference for members through certifications and educational material for “Laughter Yoga” and the use of a “Magical Glove” for fine motor skill development. Michelle Prendergast & Travis Pruitt attended to receive the grant.
2. Feast will enhance its food education programs with chrome books, table coverings, popup banners, phone tripods, cooking kits, seasoning kits, and program materials. Bev Sell received the grant.
3. FACT, Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater, will use the grant to improve the programs they offer for autistic clients. Tyler Williamson accepted the check from President Michael Desplaines.
4. Virginia Supportive Housing will purchase two full furniture sets for previously homeless clients living in Norfolk. Nancy Perry gratefully accepted the grant.
5. Survivor Ventures will provide support for 30 trafficking survivors and their children in Hampton Roads with the grant funds. Norfolk Rotary Charities Grants criteria allow recipients to use the funds for operating costs not allowed by other grants. Tiffany McGee accepted the award.

• Sally Hartman contributed Happy Bucks for her trip to Guatemala and her eight days at “Joyce Maynard’s Write by the Lake workshop”.
• Gus Stuhlreyer contributed bucks for his son-in-law’s nephew (who is only a junior in high school) who recently received his 43rd offer for a 4-year ride to play college football. The 43rd offer came from Nick Saban at Alabama. The nephew has not given any indication as to which way he is leaning.
• Judge Joe Massey informed us that there were no Rotarians at the Scope today and contributed some bucks!
• Bob Batcher celebrated the 40th birthday of his talented and modeling daughter. Primeplus has made the initial purchase of furniture for the Rotary Living room in the Primeplus Adult Day Service in Norfolk.
• Both Chris Bugg and Jim Kitz coughed up funds for “no Rotary Pin”. Jim added a few more for an Army Baseball win.
• Jim Sell contributed some “happy bucks”.
• Sigur and Michael reminded Rotarians that it was “Giving Tuesday”, your opportunity to both give and gain double points.
• Diane Wallach has a trip to Rome and Venice booked. She also informed us that 4 tickets to Tiel are purchased.
• Susan Donn contributed to mark the occasion that her house went up for sale.

• Chris Bugg introduced Maria Soliven
• Jeff Wells introduced Jim Tucker
• Chick Robison introduced Walker Shiver and Ed Kellam

• LauraBeth DeHority was sponsored by Sally Hartman
• Jonathan Stanley was sponsored by Jim Sell.

• Sharon Laderberg has a new grandchild!
• Bob Heely moved into a new home.
• Bob Ash was called out for being in an ODU newsletter, but he had already self-confessed and paid at a previous meeting.
• Marty Raiss was sad that Duke basketball let her down in the ACC Championship but graciously congratulated Virginia Tech.
• Chick Robison had an amazing trip to Brazil to visit former exchange students who lived with him.
• John Cameron received a nice pillow from a yet to be determined Rotarian.
• Lois Kerns was happy that Iowa made it to the NCAA Tournament.
• Michelle Nettles celebrated VA Tech’s ACC Basketball Championship.

• John Cameron was happy to have his granddaughter visiting; she is studying at La Sorbonne in Paris.
• Tom Ambler celebrated a visit to New York City.
• Bob Ash had good news.
• Jonathan Stanley has a son engaged to be married.
• Jeff Wells was at his grandson’s ‘bris’
• Sharon Laderberg expects a new grandson next week so she will also be attending this traditional Jewish ceremony.
• Chris Bugg celebrated a Duke victory over UVA. There were more but the program had to go on.

On February 15, Dr. Ross-Hammond shared with Rotary Club of Norfolk plans for building a permanent center on Newtown Road in Virginia Beach. VAACC started in 2015 with $30 in the bank. Its assets have grown as it spearheads cultural, historical, and enrichment programs in Hampton Roads. The City of Virginia Beach has deeded nearly 5 acres for the center. The site already featured a basketball court, which VAACC plans to keep. A new smart pole beam signals so students without internet at home can come to do homework. Tents and portable seating allow space for workshops and cultural programs at the site. Brochures highlight self-guided tours of significant sites in Virginia Beach, which has 14 historically Black neighborhoods. VAACC plans to create historic site driving tours for other area cities. 

VAACC has received various grants to support its work, which includes a six-part Black masterpiece series. A priority now is raising capital funds to build a multi-story building designed by the Hanbury architectural firm. It will include event and exhibit space, classrooms, a library, and a green roof for growing food. Phase 1 is estimated to cost $10 million. The distinctive round building will resemble a drum or a type of round building in Africa where people gather to solve problems.

"We want this to be a destination that people of any race and ethnicity can come and share stories," Dr. Ross-Hammond said. She envisions an interactive center with areas for exhibits, performances, classes, events, and space to gather."

The Rotary Club will present a copy of Summer Song to P.B. Young Sr. Elementary School, school of the week, in honor of Dr. Ross-Hammond.

The Meeting

President Michael Desplaines noted that with Dr. Ross-Hammond, who has a Ph.D. from the University of Denver, on the program the meeting room likely had the most doctors in the room of any Rotary meeting. At least eight people with doctoral degrees raised their hands when asked to identify themselves.

Michael expressed his happiness that the Rotary Club of Norfolk was No. 3 in the world for online giving to the Rotary Foundation on Giving Tuesday in November. The RI Foundation raised more than $1 million on the day of giving after Thanksgiving.

Sigur Whitaker presented two Paul Harris Fellow +2 awards to Barbara Lipskis and John Cameron for their generosity to the Rotary Foundation. 

Members were encouraged to keep Kris McKinnon in their prayers. She is the daughter of member Colin McKinnon and his wife, Patt. Kris was hit by a drunk driver last spring and her family continues to explore treatment options for Kris. 

Guests at the meeting were Edmund Russell, a retired Coast Guard officer and IBM executive, who attended with Sigur Whitaker and was the lucky winner of the weekly raffle; Rev. Johnathan Stanley and David Hutcherson from the Compassion Network were repeat visitors.

Fines & Happy Bucks

• Dr. Marilyn Gowan is happy to have had a successful cardiac catheterization procedure. 
• Sigur Whitaker paid a fine for her cell phone going off last week and noted that it was another annoying spam call.
• John Cameron was happy for many reasons, including his birthday celebration, getting a book contract, his children coming to visit, and a good prognosis from his cancer treatments. 
• President Michael was happy about a recent trip to Naples, Florida for a conference. 

In other business, President Michael presented Vice President Laurie Harrison with a special Rotary coin for leading meetings while he was on trips the past few weeks.

Board member Chris Bugg encouraged members to invite potential Suds & Buds sponsors to come for lunch on March 1 when the spring fundraiser will be the featured luncheon program.

The Virginia Arts Festival is in its 25th season, started in 1997 with 7 cities. Dianna mentioned that there is a published program but because this is 2022, as artists are confirmed they are added to the schedule. She shared a short film that summarized all the options in genres and artists, and types of performances.  Keep checking the schedule for the additions.  

The feature is the International Tattoo. Last year it was held outside at ODU but this year it is back at Scope. The Tattoo will have school children in attendance but with a reduction in numbers.  

Perry Pavilion is a new venue that was started last year when COVID was surging with the need to be outside and socially distanced. It was so successful, that it will continue with a variety of performances. 

Each venue has a different protocol for COVID. The economic impact is $25M, also the printed program has three different covers depending on interests but the same content. The performances run the spectrum including ballet, classical, bluegrass, rock, country, and symphony.

In summary, this is one of the few efforts that all the Tidewater communities work proactively together and share in its success. The wide variety of performances can satisfy the desire of just about any preferences for a stage performance.   

The Meeting

President-Elect Laurie Harrison presided over today's business meeting since President Michael was traveling again. Sigur Whitaker led our singing with R-O-T-A-R-Y and a perfect Valentine’s day song. Following the pledge of allegiance and the Four-Way Test, Marty Raiss led us in a short prayer of thanksgiving.

Visitation/Introduction of Visitors

President-Elect Laurie announced that Joe Massey had fallen, but is back home doing well. Lauren LaBonte introduced two members from the Compassion Network, Rev Stanley and David Hutcherson. They work locally in the community and reach out to neighbors in need.  

Club Business

President-Elect Laurie announced that Oceanair Elementary School was the School of the Week. Sigur presented Paul Harris Fellow pins and congratulated Lauren LaBonte and Jay Kossman.

Chris Bugg announced the March 1st business meeting will be dedicated to the Sponsors of Suds and Buds. The intent is to invite all potential sponsors and then expose them to Rotary, our club, and the service we perform in the community. The outcome would be to get more sponsors to commit support to this effort. Bring a friend to the next meeting!

Happy Bucks

· Sally Hartman was on the Today show twice…she has been long-time fan.

· Bill Lehew for Virginia win over Duke.

· Jeff Wells for his youngest daughter’s birthday and the new grandchild.

· Susan Donn decided to move to Harbor’s Edge.

· Marty Raiss for winning the Carolina game.

· Sigur Whitaker for the Tar-heel Loss.

· Tom Koller for his daughter that was in town visiting.

Bill Lehew won the small pot of $16 and left the $393 for next week's raffle.

• Gus Stuhlreyer has been a longtime fan of the Cincinnati Bengals so he was happy to donate a large sum in celebration of their victory. 
• Chris Bugg and Sigur Whitaker are betting on an important game involving Sigur’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. Sigur was not particularly optimistic about the outcome but she pointed out how many achievements she had witnessed and remains hopeful. 
• Michelle Nettles received a “Best of House” award.
• Michael Desplaines contributed because he had been in the relative warmth of Arizona and Hawaii for four weeks.
• Brian McGuire donated via Venmo to celebrate 3 years of marriage.

• Dr. Bob Archer, a psychologist and former chair of Eastern Virginia Medical School's psychology department
• John Miller, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran who works as a civilian with the Department of Defense.
• Kay Stine, vice president for development at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. 

• January 31 is the deadline for area nonprofits to apply for Rotary Club of Norfolk grants. Details and the application are on the club website.
• Walt Sobczyk has arranged for service projects at the foodbank and park cleanup. Details are on the club website.
• Chris Bugg thanked Suds & Bud's sponsors and let club members know more sponsors are needed to support the May 19 event at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 
• Club dues are due and some members still owe previous dues. Please pay them promptly. 

• Bob Ash and his wife, Mary Lewis, recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary as well as Bob's 80th birthday. 
• Michelle Nettles shared greetings from our former club member Jos Hekking, whom she had lunch with over the holidays when he was back in Hampton Roads from The Netherlands where he lives. He is slated to become president of his Rotary Club. 
• Bob Heely and his wife, Lush, recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.
• Jason Drane thanked the club for the prayers and concern for his baby daughter, who is doing well and getting treatment twice a week at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.
• Sally Hartman is happy her former colleague Kay Stine joined the club and that she and her husband, Ron, are adopting a cat.

• 1862 - Primarily volunteers motivated by the preservation of slavery and fighting the evil invaders of the North and to save North Carolina.
• 1862 – 63 – This time marked the beginning of conscription. There were broad exemptions, and the hiring of substitutes was exercised by the men of means. A large percentage of the conscripts were poor, non-slave owners motivated by the possible income. While the income was relatively low it was considerably higher than what they would have experienced on the farm. Union POW camps were death camps. If captured, you could join the Union Army and be shipped west to fight to secure the western settlement or die in the camp.
• 1864 – Moral, living conditions and food supply were low and the desertion rate was high. Survival of the fittest and support of your brother was the main motivation. “We started this together, we will finish it together!”

• There was a general celebration of the Navy victory and a modest response by our Army members.
• President Michael gave a brief grated version of his trip to Vegas.

• The Club is voting for 3 new members, Kay Stine, Robert Archer, and John Miller. 
• Sigur gave an update on the Club’s successful Giving Tuesday’s offerings –

• Next Tuesday will be the Club Assembly and voting for the 2022-2023 board of directors:
  • President – Laurie Harrison
  • President Elect – Jeff Wells
  • VP Programs – Barbara Lipskis
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Dave Duncan
  • Directors –
    • Tom Ambler
    • Chris Bugg
    • Jennifer Dilworth
    • Sharon Laderberg
    • Marty Raiss
    • Walt Sobczyk
    • Kelly Stefanko

• 2022 Grant Applications are now available

• Bruce gave HB for his newest grandchild.
• Chris Bugg gave HB for Go Navy, Beat Army! And, HB for successful back surgery.
• Amanda Workman gave HB for her engagement on Halloween and for moving into a new home.
• Dianna Starkey gave HB for son’s new job and returned stolen car, and for Marie Osmond concert coming on 12/13.
• Jim Kitz gave HB for the Army Football team making it to the Bowl – Go Army, Beat Navy!

• Bill Moore gave a shout-out and contributed happy bucks for our own Judge Massey who made a generous donation to the Hunton Account. Our ongoing Hunton project relies on the generosity of Rotarians. The outside playground at the Hunton is not usable according to health standards and requires weed control and re-mulching. The mulch carries a cost of some $3000.00. Bill asked club members to follow Judge Massey’s example and contribute.  Bill alerted members to a pending Christmas Giving initiative for the families of the 5 women who were shot 2 weeks ago in the Young Terrace Community. As you suspect, several children impacted by this tragedy are cared for at the Hunton.
• Dr. Steve Jones gave happy bucks for public education.
• Wayne Shank has a 4^th grandchild and contributed.
• Eleanor Schoonover recognized the Wreaths Across America.
• Major Donald Dohmann from the Salvation Army gave in recognition and thanks for his wife who was declared cancer-free and rang the bell following her last treatment. Major Dohmann also recognized the “kick-off “of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Fundraising.
• Dr. Marcia Conston appreciated the calls from Brian McGuire when she missed a few meetings.  

• Judge Bruce Wilcox was happy to announce the birth of his seventh grandchild, George, on Oct. 24th. 
• Steve Jones and his wife were happy because they attended a Rolling Stones concert—with no mosh pit.
• Bill Davis gave happy bucks for the 246th birthday of the Marine Corps. 
• Jim Kitz provided money for the victory of Army over the Air Force; he also suggested that Navy would be going down hard when they meet. 
• Chris Bugg rose to the bait and put $100 on a bet that Navy will win. 
• Tom Koller put in happy bucks because Devin’s brain tumor has been sizably reduced by radiation. 
• Jeff Wells donated because of an art installation in Ocean View that we helped to fund. 
• Alan Nelson contributed because he’s got a granddaughter going to work for Expedia (and they’re all hoping for cheap flights).

• Ann Baldwin received her Paul Harris +6 pin
• Bob Healy received his Paul Harris +3 pin
• Bill Clendenin was recognized as a Major Donor and a competitor to President Michael for sporting the longest hair.

• Chip Vogan invited all members to a Pop-up Social on Friday, November 5th at 5:30 pm at Elation Brewery in Norfolk.
• A Pop-up Social is being held at the Million Bulb Walk at NBG on December 9th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Tickets must be purchased on the NBG website and there will a small reception for our club.
• The Club’s Holiday Social will be on December 21st at Norfolk Yacht Club. Time is TBD.

• Joey Rothgery thanked Walt Sobczyk for serving as a poll official for Election Day.
• Chris Bugg enjoyed his first visit to NBG (Some Academy Grads can be slow) and encouraged us to consider the Hampton Roads Community Foundation as a secondary civic group to support.
• Diana Starkey was in the news for dog auditions for an upcoming program of the Virginia Arts Festival. Her son also recently became employed by Cushman & Wakefield.
• BIG NEWS! Lauren Labonte got engaged. Congratulations!
• Laurie Harrison announced that on Dec 4th there will be a Tacky Sweater Fun Run to help combat melanoma. See her for more details if you would like to help.
• Chip Vogan sold his wooden boat.
• Bill McGinnis celebrated Michigan State’s victory over the University of Michigan.
• Eleanor Schoonover announced that she was able to successfully navigate the Rotary International website to obtain an “official” number for our Global Grant Application. Dave Duncan added to this good news.
• Carlisle Wroton got his 8th hole-in-one recently at Elizabeth Manor Golf Course. He should have been fined extra for bragging!
• Michelle Nettles’ son received his MBA from the Stern School of Business at NYU.
• Marty Raiss thanked the Rotarians who actively support PrimePlus. It was noted that they are our partner for the next Suds & Buds.
• Jeff Wells had a wonderful sailing trip in St. Pete, FL area.
• Barb Lipskis was in Chicago helping her father celebrate his 85th birthday.

• The city expects to receive $152 million from the federal American Rescue Funds program designed to help with pandemic relief. The funds come with lots of strings attached but will help with needed projects and the city budget. He is hopeful the federal infrastructure bill will pass and provide more needed funding for the city.
• Some federal rescue funds may be used for Chrysler Hall's much-delayed $30 million renovations. This will fix backstage issues that will prevent shows like "Lion King" and "Hamilton" from coming to the city's aging theater. The renovate will add additional aisles to make it easier for patrons to access their seats. 
• Norfolk is ahead of many cities with its coastal risk management plan. It includes costly plans for a downtown flood wall to run from Harbor Park to the Army Corps of Engineers headquarters near Colley Avenue. Plans also call for a surge barrier on the Lafayette River to run from Terminal Boulevard to West Ghent. Filer predicts these measures could save 40% of the city that is prone to flooding. While federal infrastructure funds could help pay for these projects, the city would have to come up with a 35% match.
• The city continues to work to speed up economic recovery for businesses and citizens. One example is the "Streateries" Program, which helps restaurants create permanent outdoor dining spaces. 
• The casino coming to the downtown waterfront will be one of the biggest projects the city has ever had. The casino project near Harbor Park is moving slowly while waiting for the state to issue a gaming license. 
• There are three proposals to redevelop the Military Circle area, which is on the highest land in the city. Two proposals include building an arena and one includes an amphitheater. Housing is also part of all three plans, which are on the city website for review. The city is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Hampton Roads Transit to address future traffic issues in the redeveloped area. Expanding Light Rail to the area is a possibility.
• Filer believes increased housing will encourage more families to live in Norfolk, which has an abundance of childless young professionals and retired empty nesters.
• Redeveloping MacArthur Center is complicated due to the financial structure of the mall. The city owns the land under it but not the mall. 
• Related to downtown issues, parking is going to stay on Boush Street, and the city has not been able to attract a grocery store downtown despite growth in residents. 
• Norfolk's aging water pipes have been upgraded over the years and the city continues to look for funding to do even more to keep drinking water safe. Filer is happy Norfolk's water is ranked No. 1 in Virginia for its taste. 
• Filer thanked First Presbyterian Church and its pastor, Jim Wood, for housing homeless people nightly for eight months while the city figured out solutions. The city has purchased a motel on Tidewater Drive for homeless housing and has RFPs out for redeveloping the old Greyhound Bus Station, which was a temporary tent home for people during spring and summer. 
• The city is working to rehire staff for its libraries and is increasing hours of operation. It is also resurfacing tennis courts and trying to restore recreation programs halted during the pandemic. 
• The park and flood control project going on in Chesterfield Heights and Grandy Village will be a model for dealing with flooding and making waterways more accessible to residents. 

• We welcomed two guests -- Dr. Randall Garrett, a former Rotarian and a guest of Brian McGuire, and Roberto Westbrook of Atlantic Coast Mortgage, a guest of Laurie Harrison.
• President Michael noted that a kidney stone sent Lorna Cochrane to the hospital after she played a round of golf. She is home and doing better. 
• Sigur Whitaker was surprised to have no notes to write thanking Rotarians for their donations to the Rotary International Foundation since none were made in the last few months. Our club's goal is $22,000 for the year with only $4,361 donated to the RI foundation far. Our club has raised as much as nearly $29,000 in a single year for the Foundation, which funds projects globally and in our area. Donations can be made online or by check.
• Informal votes showed members interested in a Portsmouth ghost tour and having an evening holiday social in December.
• Rotarians are needed to help with foodbank packaging on October 15.
• Sally Hartman received a check for $799 for winning the big pot in the club raffle. She then managed to have the winning ticket for the daily pot of $17 for the meeting raffle.
• 22 bike riders enjoyed the Elizabeth River Trail ride and happy hour on Indigenous People Day. Kelly Stefanko organized the social.

• Alan Nelson for his trip to Paris and his 61st reunion of his Port Arthur, Texas class. His most famous classmate was the late singer Janis Joplin.
• Sally Hartman celebrated her and Ron's 39th wedding anniversary.
• Chris Bugg was happy about having covered parking at Scope on a rainy day. 

• Dr. Robert Archer, the chair of psychology at EVMS and a potential club member was introduced by John Cameron.
• Sally Hartman introduced Kay Stein, the Vice President of Development for Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
• Randall Garrett, who is in modeling simulation and a former member of the Hampton Roads Rotary Club, was a guest of Brian McGuire even though Brian missed the meeting as he was getting his quarterly infusion therapy. Randall is interested in rejoining Rotary.

• Judge Joe Massey is celebrating the $100,000 grant by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to Prime Plus; for his former neighbor, Bob Archer; and so that Rotarian Sigur wouldn’t talk about the Tar Heel victory over his Blue Devils.
• Lisa Chandler also had many things to celebrate. Her birthday was last month, her anniversary was in April, she has a new car, her daughter and son-in-law have been with them for two months as their home in California is being renovated, and that she was not wearing her Rotary pin.
• Lorna Cochrane has just returned from a visit to Canada.
• Donald Dohmann and his wife, Laura, are celebrating 21 years of wedded bliss. Even better, Laura who has battled stage 3 breast cancer is now in remission. He is also looking for two teams to participate in the upcoming Salvation Army tournament.
• Chris Bugg “outted” Konner Pritchard and Dianna Starkey at a Chamber event at the Marriott right before our meeting. Neither of them was wearing their Rotary pin.

• Together at Last – This brought Norfolk and Virginia Beach together in a combined marketing campaign for the first time. It was run during COVID.
• City with Bite – This uses Nomara, a local foodie influencer, to highlight Norfolk’s independent restaurants. 

• Norfolk’s sweet spot, for an event that utilizes most hotels downtown in peak, is about 800 room nights (which is MEAC’s), 1500 attendees total is the max for each hotel’s ballroom, if more, would have to use Scope.
• One of the biggest annual events is the 2,500 attendee Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services come every year in November and offer courses, a big number for our city but they’ve worked it out and rotate their courses. 
• Anticipate people coming back to travel for conferences, everyone likes to meet in person, have been booking for future years. 2021 tourism trends from Travel state of mind – Majority of people WANT to travel. 
• We can get larger groups that would never previously fit in Norfolk because they can make more by having virtual attendees with smaller in-person attendance.
• Groups aren’t coming back full capacity yet; hotels and restaurants are doing the best they can with staffing shortages. It’s a reality so open to talking to it, Sheraton is fully staffed, banquet servers and housekeepers are shared between properties at a time, often part-time.
• They would love to have more conventional space, the Main is the largest one in Norfolk outside of Scope, it isn’t big enough to accommodate some of the groups they’d like to have. 
• The economic impact the city brings is very important, $37 million in tourism and travel last year during the pandemic. Tourism is a huge piece of business for Norfolk.
• Mass transportation is a big factor that people want.
• Excited to add the casino with meeting space to the portfolio but haven’t started selling it. Do believe it will become walkable. 

• We welcomed new member Amanda Workman, who is sponsored by Kelly Stefanko and mentored by Amanda's fellow University of North Carolina Tarheel, Sigur Whitaker. Amanda works for the City of Norfolk in its budget office. She is a legacy Rotarian whose father has been president of his Burlington, N.C. club. 
• President Michael shares the results of the recent voting for our meeting venue. In the final count, Scope was the winner with 35 first-place votes. Norfolk Yacht & Country Club had 26 votes and the Town Point Club 17 votes. 
• Growlfest last Saturday was a big success. Board member Chris Bugg, who organized our club's volunteers, thanked all the helpers and especially Lauren LaBonte for stepping up as the event day zoo boss. President Michael, a first-time Growlfest attendee, was wowed by the event and enjoyed the hours he spent on the bench visiting with fellow Rotarian Joe Massey waiting to distribute beer glasses. 
• Dues are past due, and 39 members still need to pay and should do so soon.
• We met our new bookkeeper, Robin Bailey.
• We learned that Rotarian of the Day Rachel Bellis, who works for PETA, loves Chihuahuas, watches Spanish soap operas to keep up her Spanish language skills, has lived in Spain and Mexico, and likes to end her day with a glass of wine. 
• Sally Hartman bought the winning ticket for the daily raffle. She also won the big pot by drawing the right queen from the card deck. Her daily winnings were $30, which she gave to our speaker to support CHIP. Her big winnings will be $799. Linwood Beckner kindly added $1 to her winnings so she would have an even $800.

• Joe Massey for his phone ringing and our new member Amanda even though she did not go to his alma mater, Duke University.
• Marilyn Gowan for her and her husband celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary in the Blue Ridge Mountains and for Duke's recent football win.
• Sigur Whitaker for new member Amanda Workman, her fellow Tarheel. 
• Chip Vogan for the three Barbaras who served beer at Growlfest as a team -- Barbara Lipskis, Barbara Kiley, and Barbara Vogan. 
• Barbara Lifland for not volunteering with the Barbaras because she was on a trip to Colorado for hiking and seeing family.
• Chris Bugg for our new member, his 25th Naval Academy class reunion, and a successful Growlfest.
• Tom Ambler for his 50th high school reunion.
• Sally Hartman for new members Lauren LaBonte and Chris Bugg stepping up to make Growlfest a success.
• Dianna Starkey for her youngest son heading off to Los Angeles to start his career and her oldest son graduating from Duke. 
• Jeff Wells for his wife taking him sailing at Nauticus, all the photos he took at Growlfest, and for his neighbors giving his mother-in-law in hospice a barbecue and Frank Sinatra karaoke night.
• Jim Kitz for the undefeated Army football team.
• Bill LeHew for the Hampden-Sydney hall of fame inductees and his University of Medical School 60th class reunion finally happening.
• John Cameron for his Civil War book being published with something in it to irritate everyone.
• Michael Desplaines for the time spent visiting with Joe Massey at Growlfest, getting to go to the Washington game and have his team win, and for his happiness for the return to meetings of Rotarians Stephen Kirkland and Konner Pritchard.

• Jim Sell, returning from a 2,500-mile road trip.
• John Cameron inked a contract with a publisher for a civil war novel.
• Linwood Beckner, oldest granddaughter starts middle school.
•  Jim Kitts for Army football victory.
• Will Lehew, Larchmont Methodist preschool where his granddaughter attends and he is board chair.
•  President Michael, California botanical gardens field trip.
•  Barbara Lipskis, Norfolk Botanical Garden groundbreaking.

• Covered indoor parking
• Downtown location
• Familiar space for club members

• Basement location
• No Wi-Fi 
• Food quality
• Can’t always meet at this space due to their scheduling
• Location doesn’t help with recruitment

• Beautiful newly renovated rooms with fantastic views
• Food quality
• Private club cache might help with member recruitment

• Cost
• Not downtown

• Food quality
• Familiar space for club members
• Private club cache might help with member recruitment

• Parking garage is across the street
• Room is tight
• Cost

• Clay Dills was pictured in the “amazing” book on the Garden of Tomorrow. The Garden of Tomorrow is the building project at Norfolk Botanical Garden and Clay is the architect.
• Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer has been named as the Best Place to Work in Norfolk. Angela Kerns is the managing partner.
• Sharon Laderberg announced that her first grandchild was on the way.
• Chuck Spence is celebrating his 80^th birthday on the 18^th (Wednesday).
• Bill McGinnis is celebrating 58 years of marriage to Carol.
• Tom Koller thanked Norfolk Rotary for the warm welcome (he joined on August 10) and is celebrating finding a home in Virginia Beach after two months of looking and four bids.
• Brian McGuire confessed to not wearing a Rotary pin to today’s meeting.

• Aug. 26th- Young Terrace Community Food Distribution 9:00 am-12:30pm
• Aug 28th – Salvation Army Write Stuff Distribution (Drive-Thru) 9:00am–12:00 pm supplying backpacks to clients
• Aug. 29th-Rotary Day at Harbor Park for D7600 End Polio Now- Tides game starts at 4:05 pm, please see Rotary website to purchase tickets

• Past President has been traveling to upstate NY and admitting to having another birthday
• Marty insisted on being connected by phone DURING her invocation
• Walt is doing a fantastic job heading up the service projects. Sign up for all the opportunities listed. See you there.
• Sally forgot to put in last week’s minutes that it has taken Bob Heely 60 years to finally get a hole in one (we are taking his word for it and money). Sally also presented a club flag from a Rotary where the President has served 3 years, Bryn Mar
• Jeff Wells is celebrating all kinds of people’s birthdays.

• President-Elect (Laurie Harrison)
• Vice President for Programs (Jeff Wells)
• Secretary/Treasurer (Barb Lipskis)
• Administration Committee (John Cameron)
• Fellowship (Michelle Nettles)
• Public Image (Diane Wallach)
• Membership (Brian McGuire)
• Fundraising (Chris Bugg)
• Community and International Service (Dave Duncan)
• Vocational (Bob Ash)

• Club committee sign up Pick your favorite, then your second favorite, and maybe even your third favorite area of interest in Rotary, contact the chair of the committee in these areas and GET INVOLVED!
• Pop-up social - Wed, 7/21. 5-7 pm at Crackers restaurant on Granby St by the base of the bridge. Drink a martini and then crack up your fellow Rotarians with a joke.
• Board Meeting - Tues, 7/27 noon at administration offices of the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Please RSVP to President Michael, and he just might forage in the gardens for some lunch.
• Food Distribution at St Mary’s Basilica - Thurs, 7/28 8 am-11:30 am. Other Rotarians have raved of this service project.
• Polio Plus Baseball Game - Sun, 8/29 4:05 pm. Ticket information will be forthcoming (and as an aside, it is Bark in the Park day also, so you can bring your pooch for a $5 donation to an animal charity)

• President Michael began the donations for the lack of a Rotary pin, followed by Eleanor Schoonover, Lauren LaBonte, and John Padgett.
• Jim Kitz outed Dr. Marcia Conston for a fine letter to the editor in the paper.
• Major Donald Dohmann gave happy bucks for his family member’s end of 8 months of chemo treatment.
• Chip Vogan gave happy bucks for his trio’s upcoming performance in person at the Goode Theater on Aug 7th at 7:30 pm. 

• Rotary District Foundation Award
• Community Service Award
• Outstanding President’s Award
• Governor’s Circle Award
• Rotary Citation Award

• Eleanor Schoonover had grandchildren visiting recently and told us how much they enjoyed visiting the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
• Sally Hartman has been featured several times in the Virginian-Pilot
• Marty Raiss just returned from a couple of weeks enjoying her grandchildren in North Carolina. 
• Barbara Lipkis happily announced the recent marriage of her son.
• Angela Kerns was a guest on the Hampton Roads Show on WAVY-TV 10.
• Jim Kitz offered congratulations for the many kudos the club received during the district awards ceremony.
• George Compo announced the birth of a new grandchild.
• Jeff Wells expressed his happiness for having us all back together and being able to see fellow Rotarians face-to-face once again. 

• The City has narrowed to 4 the number of proposals for the Military Circle area, and in discussion with other cities, is looking to make it a high-end, mixed-use entertainment and business destination.
• The City sees the Ward’s Corner area to Southern Shopping Center as a “gem” that can be refined, with perhaps a facility such as is at the Dam Neck sports complex.
• Concerning the issue of homelessness, the City hopes to partner more closely with agencies and non-profits to provide assistance and relief.
• Strong community policing is a proven strategy to address crime in the city.

• July 6 at Towne Point Club
• July 13 at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club
• July 20 at Scope

• Walt Sobczyk, for planning 25(!) outstanding service projects – and attending most of them himself
• Brian McGuire, who was not able to be here, for his amazing work with Rotations
• Sigur Whitaker, for her many roles filled with aplomb – Foundation Chair, Website guru, and – oh, yes – Area Governor

• Sally Hartman, who is happy to be back together, and also that her husband Ron is finished with 45 days of proton therapy.
• Sigur Whitaker, who has just given her next book, Racing with Roger Penske, to her publisher; thanked Jim for his job as our President, and she is excited for her conversation with the Chancellor of her Beloved UNC and a recent get-together with local alums.
• Mal Branch, who is thrilled about the new airline launch of Breeze Airlines, and for his first out-of-town outing in over a year.
• Chris Bugg announced the graduation of his son.
• Chuck Spence, for UVA’s success to date in the College Baseball World Series
• David Brandt, whose daughter has just gotten engaged and whose son has just graduated from Mary Washington, and to announce that he’s moving back to Hampton Roads.
• Bruce Willcox, who retired on April 1.
• Michael Desplaines, announcing that the Botanical Garden just had its busiest day in history! He’s also grateful to Jim as our President and for the free parking today.
• Bryce Burton, whose son just graduated from high school. He also made the surprise announcement that he’s moving to Aventura, Florida.
• Linwood Beckner, who is thrilled to see long-time Rotarian Bill Jonak here today.
• Alan Nelson, to shout out to the University of Texas in the College Baseball World Series.

• President Jim is celebrating the marriage of his son, Brian, and his new daughter-in-law, Lacy.
• Sharon Laderberg is happy that Virginia Wesleyan’s softball team is the national champion for the third time in the past four years. A dynasty.
• Joey Rothgery gave in appreciation to those working at the polls today including Walt Sobczyk and Lisa Barnes.